John D. Benya Jr.

John D. Benya Jr., Ph.D., 87, died Thursday, January 31, 2013, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born December 5, 1926, in Akron, the son of the late John Benya Sr. and Suzann (Zufpiak) Benya. He first married Helen Christoff, who preceded him in death. He then married Pamela Benya, who survives.

Other survivors include his stepmother, Spajia Benya of Akron; two stepsons, Chandler Conley of Van Wert and Lucas (Kara) Conley of Circleville; two daughters, Julie Rodenbeck of Van Wert and Kathelena (Daniel) Burns of Cary, N.C.; a brother, Daniel (Charlotte) Benya of Parma; and four grandchildren.

A sister, Mildred Jackson; and his stepdaughter, Larissa Conley, also preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, at Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Vancrest Health Care Center Activities Fund or State of the Heart Hospice.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Online condolences may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.